Kevin O’Brien at The Royals Reporter examines the reasons behind the organization’s coaching overhaul:
Typically, High-A hitters are usually comprised of players who are out of college or high school draft
picks in their second or third year of professional baseball. Low-A is inhabited by mostly international teenagers and lower-level college players or recent high school graduates. Both High-A and Low-A are prime teaching grounds for development teams to mold and shape hitters, both in the present and for the future.
Unfortunately, positive overall development at those levels has just not happened during Saylor’s tenure as Royals Director of Hitting.
Mark Polishuk at MLB Trade Rumors breaks down what’s ahead for the Royals this offseason ($):
The Royals got an early jump on their offseason work when they agreed to a contract extension with Seth Lugo just before the trade deadline. Lugo’s previous deal allowed him to opt out of the contract’s final year and enter free agency this winter, and the Royals seemed to at least test the trade market just in case an extension couldn’t be finalized. As it turned out, the veteran righty will now be staying in K.C. through at least the 2027 campaign, further solidifying the Royals’ starting corps.
It’s that time of year again! No, I’m not talking about the postseason or spooky season. I’m talking Arizona Fall League! Starting now your Thursday rumblings will include updates on how Royals prospects are performing in the AFL, as well as foreign leagues that will be starting up over the next few weeks. Eric Longenhagen broke down notable prospects playing in the AFL here. Now, let’s get into it:
- Blake Mitchell started a game each at catcher and DH and went 4-8 with three walks.
- Carson Roccaforte started both games for the Saguaros in center field, going 2-9 with two doubles and two walks.
- Daniel Vazquez started one game at third base and one at shortstop, going 3-8 with a double, two walks, and a stolen base.
- A.J. Causey allowed one run and struck out two in an inning of relief.
- Dennis Colleran walked two and stuck out one in a scoreless inning of relief.
- L.P. Langevin pitched a scoreless inning in relief, striking out the side.
- Logan Martin started last night’s game for Surprise, tossing three scoreless innings with a strikeout.
- Hunter Owen got roughed up in his relief appearance last night, surrendering five runs on seven hits in 2.1 innings. He struck out three.
The Detroit Tigers bludgeoned the Seattle Mariners to force a Game 5 in Seattle.
The Chicago Cubs staved off elimination with a win over the Milwaukee Brewers.
Wrigley Field has been brutal for hitters this October.
The Toronto Blue Jays took down the New York Yankees to advance to their first ALCS since 2015.
The Philadelphia Phillies battered the Los Angeles Dodgers to keep their season alive.
The Las Vegas Aces have the Phoenix Mercury on the ropes with a 3-0 lead in the WNBA Finals.
Extreme heat is becoming a problem for tennis players.
A recent study suggests that in the United States, more women play videogames than men.
Synthetic modern billiard balls has reduced the need for ivory but introduced other unforeseen issues.
Once one of cinema’s most bankable stars, how has Kevin Costner lost his fastball?
Your song of the day is Drifter by Hippie Sabotage.
